NICKLIN COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

It gives me immense pleasure to update the House on some of the remarkable developments taking place on the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

As the representative of this thriving community it is my honour to share the latest achievements and progress of some local groups.

In the past month I have had the honour of attending several school investiture ceremonies where we celebrated the skills, dedication and potential of our young leaders.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the newly appointed student leaders across the Sunshine Coast and I wish them the best for their upcoming year.

These young leaders have the potential to have a positive impact on our community and I have great hope for their bright future.

I am thrilled to announce that I recently had the privilege of awarding the Nicklin Community Champion Award to the Cooroy Gymnastics Club.

This is the biggest club on the Sunshine Coast and one of the biggest in Queensland.

This recognition is a testament to the tireless efforts of volunteers to grow the club and keep our children healthy and fit.

It is encouraging to see local clubs like the Cooroy Gymnastics Club contributing to the training of the next generation of athletes, especially with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon.

They continue to grow and I will support that.

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of attending the Nambour community dinner which has been set up by citizens in Nambour to support people who are struggling with the cost of living, housing shortages and homelessness.

I had the pleasure of taking over the grill from Mike and grilling wonderful gourmet sausages provided by Nambour Heights Butchery, with buns provided by the Gourmet Storr and all the sauces and drinks provided by Suncoast Christian Care.

It was a wonderful opportunity for a lot of different people in the community and it happens every Thursday night. It breaks down barriers.

Everyone can have a conversation.

I commend those groups for bringing everyone together and having that connection on a Thursday night in our wonderful little square.

On Friday I will attend the International Festival of Indigenous Football at the University of the Sunshine Coast where I look forward to welcoming the Native Indian Football Association of Canada as they prepare to take on our very own Australian Indigenousroos and the Australian Indigenous Koalas football teams.

This event highlights the importance of cultural exchange and sportsmanship and provides an excellent opportunity for our community to come together while we promote and showcase Indigenous football talents against one of the most respected Indigenous football nations in the world.

In conclusion, the Sunshine Coast hinterland has exceptional young leaders, talented athletes, dedicated volunteers and community groups.

We are building a better community. I am proud of the remarkable work happening there.